Spain is facing an unprecedented scandal: for the first time in modern history, the country’s Supreme Court has convicted a sitting Attorney General. Álvaro García Ortiz has been suspended from office for two years and given a hefty fine for disclosing confidential information. The full text of the ruling has not yet been published, but it is already clear that this case has shaken not only the legal community but also the entire political elite.
Unexpected Verdict and Government Reaction
At around two o’clock in the afternoon, the Supreme Court announced its decision, concluding a six-day trial. While the judges have yet to disclose the detailed reasoning, it is already clear: for the first time in decades, the highest court has found the head of the prosecutor’s office guilty of a criminal offense. Authorities have quickly launched procedures to appoint a new chief prosecutor, while public tension is mounting due to a lack of information about the reasons behind such a harsh sentence.
Key Issues and Case Details
While the full text of the decision has not yet been published, experts are debating which pieces of evidence formed the basis of the conviction. It remains unclear whether the court found García Ortiz to be the direct orchestrator of the email leak, or whether he was deemed indirectly responsible. Special attention is being paid to the prosecutor’s press release, which was published after the news outlet had already reported the email’s contents. Investigators considered this press release to be part of a unified scheme to disclose information.
Role of journalists and the defense’s position
During the hearings, several journalists stated they gained access to the disputed email before any official comments from the prosecutor’s office. They claimed García Ortiz was not their source. Nonetheless, prosecutors insisted that he controlled the flow of information at every level. The defense, in turn, argued that the publication’s goal was to provide the public with accurate information, not to break the law.
Consequences for those involved and compensation for damages
At the heart of the scandal is the partner of the head of the Madrid region, who claimed that the data leak caused serious damage to his reputation. The court ordered compensation of €10,000 in his favor. In addition, García Ortiz must cover court costs, including those incurred by the private prosecutor. The complete text of the verdict is expected soon, which will likely answer many questions and shape the future of the Spanish prosecutor’s office.
